Tampa Bay Rowdies Vs. Orlando City: Potential Starting Lineups For The U.S. Open Cup

David

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Post on May 08, 2025

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Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Orlando City: Potential Starting Lineups for the U.S. Open Cup Clash

The US Open Cup is upon us, and a tantalizing Florida derby awaits as the Tampa Bay Rowdies face off against MLS side Orlando City SC. This highly anticipated match promises fireworks, and understanding the potential starting lineups for both teams is crucial for any fan hoping to predict the outcome. Let's delve into what we can expect from both sides on the pitch.

The Rowdies' Approach: A Blend of Experience and Youth

The Rowdies, currently enjoying a strong USL Championship season, will likely field a strong starting XI aiming to upset their MLS counterparts. Coach Neill Collins will need to carefully balance experience and the youthful exuberance of his squad. Expect a pragmatic approach, prioritizing solidity at the back while leveraging speed and skill on the counter-attack.

Potential Tampa Bay Rowdies Starting XI:

• Goalkeeper: Callan Elliot – Elliot's consistency makes him a near certainty between the posts.
• Defense: Forrest Lasso, Aaron Guillen, Wes Charpie, Leo Fernandes – A blend of experience and athleticism in the back four.
• Midfield: Lewis Neal, Jordan Scarlett, Sebastian Dalgaard – Expect a midfield focused on ball retention and quick transitions.
• Forwards: Jake LaCava, Lucky Mkosana, Juan Tejada – A potent attacking trio capable of causing Orlando City problems.

Orlando City's Challenge: Balancing MLS Commitments and Cup Ambition

Orlando City, competing on multiple fronts this season, will likely rotate their squad while still fielding a competitive team. Head Coach Oscar Pareja will need to decide how much emphasis to place on this cup tie, balancing the need for victory with the demands of the MLS regular season. We may see a mix of first-team regulars and players looking to prove their worth.

Potential Orlando City SC Starting XI:

• Goalkeeper: Pedro Gallese – The experienced Gallese is likely to start, providing a strong presence in goal.
• Defense: Robin Jansson, Antonio Carlos, Kyle Smith, João Moutinho – A blend of experience and youth in the backline.
• Midfield: César Araújo, Wilder Cartagena, Martin Ojeda – Expect a midfield focused on controlling possession and creating opportunities.
• Forwards: Duncan McGuire, Ercan Kara, Facundo Torres – A combination of pace, power and skillful players.

Key Matchups to Watch:

• LaCava vs. Jansson/Carlos: The Rowdies' striker will be looking to test the Orlando City central defense.
• Ojeda vs. Neal/Scarlett: A battle for midfield dominance will be crucial.
• Mkosana's pace vs. Orlando City's fullbacks: Mkosana's speed could exploit any gaps in Orlando's defense.

The Verdict: An Open and Exciting Encounter

This match is far from a foregone conclusion. The Rowdies, playing at home with the passionate support of their fans, will be hoping to cause an upset. Orlando City, despite likely fielding a rotated squad, still possesses significant firepower. This US Open Cup clash promises a thrilling encounter, filled with excitement and potential surprises. Will the Rowdies pull off a monumental upset, or will Orlando City march on? Only time will tell!

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